OpenAI appears poised to unveil a new “Agent Mode” for ChatGPT, marking a strategic escalation in the competition for the modern workplace productivity stack. Evidence suggests that Agent Mode will blend the browser automation and workflow capabilities of “Operator” with the in-depth information gathering of Deep Research, enabling ChatGPT to operate across web sources and user-connected apps simultaneously. Early indicators point to a workflow where users can, for example, direct ChatGPT to find, analyze, and synthesize content from Google Drive files and other connected data sources to assemble comprehensive reports in a single step.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) July 16, 2025
This aligns with recent reporting that OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT to rival Microsoft’s longstanding productivity mainstays, Excel and PowerPoint. The company is said to be developing agent capabilities that would let users not only generate but also edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from within ChatGPT itself. Such functionality aims to reduce reliance on traditional Microsoft Office tools, with ChatGPT serving as a central hub for document and data management, analysis, and creation. The ability to orchestrate workflows across multiple file types and connected apps could allow businesses to streamline their processes and centralize knowledge work within the ChatGPT interface.
OpenAI’s expansion beyond conversational assistance into agentic productivity signals an ambition to redefine the role of generative AI in professional environments. As the company continues to layer in browser control, app connectors, and workflow automation, ChatGPT could emerge as a true alternative to legacy office software, directly challenging Microsoft’s dominance in enterprise productivity. While details of Agent Mode’s launch timeline and capabilities remain unconfirmed, the move suggests a clear intent to turn ChatGPT into a foundational application for a new era of AI-powered knowledge work.
